The exhibition “Egyptian Cults near the Black Sea” will be opened on February 10th at the Library of Alexandria. The event, organized by the Bulgarian embassy, Dr. Vesela Atanasova from the Institute of Balkan Studies & Centre of Thracology - BAS, and the Library of Alexandria, is part of the events to mark 100 years of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Egypt.

The poster exhibition shows historical monuments from cities like Chersonesos Taurica, Olbia, Tyras, Tomis, Apollonia Pontica, Mesambria, Odessos, Byzantion, Vani, and others. The monuments, illustrating the penetration of Egyptian cults, are presented in seven sections – epigraphic monuments, objects made of bone, terracotta, bronze, sculpture, gems and rings, as well as coins.

It is believed that the first contacts with Ancient Egypt on the Black Sea coast date back to the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. Numerous Egyptian-type amulets testify to the early development of trade and cultural relations.

After the death of Alexander the Great and the coming to power of the Ptolemies, some cults from the Nile Valley spread to the Eastern Mediterranean, reaching the Black Sea. To their Egyptian roots were added Alexandrian and Greek features.

The exhibition is part of the project “Thrace and Egypt in the Greco-Roman World” under the leadership of Dr. Vesela Atanasova. The curators are Dr. Vesela Atanasova and Prof. Laurent Bricault, and the design is by Eli Filipova. The exhibition will remain at the Library of Alexandria until February 17th and will also be presented in Cairo.